Opportunity in nanomedicine to counter the challenges of current drug delivery approaches used for the treatment of malaria: a review

J Drug Target. 2023 Apr;31(4):354-368. doi: 10.1080/1061186X.2022.2164290. Epub 2023 Jan 10.

Abstract

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by the infected female Anopheles mosquito. The development of drug tolerance and challenges related to the drugs' pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters limits the antimalarial therapeutics response. Currently, nanotechnology-based drug delivery system provides an integrative platform for antimalarial therapy by improving the drug physicochemical properties, combating multidrug resistance, and lowering antimalarial drug-related toxicity. In addition, surface engineered nanocarrier systems offer a variety of alternatives for site-specific/targeted delivery of antimalarial therapeutics, anticipating better clinical outcomes at low drug concentrations and low toxicity profiles, as well as reducing the likelihood of the emergence of drug resistance. So, constructing nano carrier-based approaches for drug delivery has been considered the foremost strategy to combat malaria. This review focuses on the numerous nanotherapeutic strategies utilised to treat malaria as well as the benefits of nanotechnology as a potentially effective therapeutic.

Keywords: Malaria; Plasmodium falciparum; drug resistance; nano-therapeutic approaches; nanotechnology.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials* / pharmacology
  • Antimalarials* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Resistance
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Malaria* / drug therapy
  • Nanomedicine

Substances

  • Antimalarials